Sarawak’s border security tightened with joint patrol success, 3 illegals deported

BY MA CHEE SENG

KUCHING: The Malaysian Army’s 1st Infantry Division thwarted an attempted entry by three illegal immigrants at the Sarawak-Indonesia border yesterday (Aug 15).

Commander of the 1st Infantry Division joint patrol Major General Datuk Mohamed Fauzi Kamis said the operation conducted in collaboration with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI-AD), intercepted the three individuals at the Malaysia-Indonesia Joint Post (GABMA) in Biawak at 1.45 pm.

“The patrol team, operating under the 1st Infantry Division, discovered the trio attempting to cross into Malaysia through a hidden path just 100 metres from the Indonesian border.

“During the operation, no prohibited or dangerous items were found on the three men, aged between 36 and 48. However, the patrol team did recover several personal items valued at RM2,715 including cash, mobile phones, wallets, and clothing,” he said.

The abandoned goods seized during the operation.

Following their capture, the three illegal immigrants were escorted back to the border for deportation, with the operation being officially reported to the Lundu police station to ensure compliance with current regulations.

Meanwhile later that afternoon, at 3 pm, the patrol also seized abandoned goods at the GABMA Post in Tebedu.

These included a box of Alana brand meat, 528 packets of Gula Prai brand white sugar, and 63 bags of Super White Rice, totalling RM3,538.90 in value. The goods were intended for smuggling across the border.

The seized items were handed over to the Customs Department after a report was filed at the Tebedu police station.

“Since January 2024, we have recorded 23 expulsions involving 168 illegal immigrants. The Malaysian Army remains committed to tightening security along the Malaysia-Indonesia border to safeguard our nation’s sovereignty against illegal immigration, smuggling, and cross-border crime,” Fauzi said.